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2017 Genesis G90

For the 2017 model year, Hyundai decided to separate the Genesis brand by once again badging its higher-priced sedans solely as Genesis. And while the inclusion of the Hyundai logo on the 2016 Genesis could never hurt the brand, its subtraction adds some allure.

The Genesis G90 sets itself apart with the interior, drivetrain, and sleek exterior. It has a look and feel inside and out that will satisfy most luxury car cravings.

Beginning with the driver’s seat, the 2017 G90 offers the pilot — and co-pilot — supportive and comfortable seating that can be adjusted in more ways than a chiropractor can offer. And when you need to move the seat up for taller rear passengers, you can simply tap the controls on the side of the passenger seat closest to you.

The console is user-friendly and within easy reach, and follows the road Hyundai has taken on previous models. A hidden gem is the wireless charging surface located in the USB/aux cable bay. While not available for all smartphones, it was a welcome surprise after an hour-long commute home to see my Galaxy fully charged.

Photo by Vince Taroc.

Speaking of the interior, with a slight tap of the gas, you immediately feel the power of the 3.3L twin turbo V-6, offering 365 hp and 376 lb.-ft. of torque tied to an 8-speed transmission that can be manually adjusted with paddle shifters on the backside of the steering wheel.

The 2017 also offers Intelligent Drive Mode that allows drivers to shift between four modes: Smart, Eco, Individual, and (my favorite) Sport, which obviously does not align with the fuel economy under normal driving conditions of 24 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg city.

Moving on to the exterior, the slick, yet subtle lines of the G90 are impressive enough to garner attention by passersby — I heard more than one "What's that?" from my front window when the sedan was parked in my driveway — but not so much that they are a copy of any of the other luxury vehicles on the road. It has its own distinct look and handles a little less clunky than some of the other, similarly-branded cars on the road.

All in all, as a fan of the last iteration of the Genesis, the G90 is a pleasant step up in style, comfort, maneuverability, and action.

Driving Notes

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